There has been praise for a Laois Garda and his colleague as their swift and calm actions led to the successful delivery of a baby.
The incident occurred last Wednesday night on the M7 heading towards Dublin.
Timahoe native Richie Oxley and his Garda colleague Sean Smyth are stationed at Naas Garda Station.
They were alerted to a call for help from a couple travelling to Dublin from Carlow.
A heavily pregnant woman was in labour and her contractions were close together.
Garda Oxley and Garda Smyth sprang into action and helped the couple with assistance from the ambulance service.
A spokesperson said: “Garda Richard Oxley and Garda Sean Smyth were on overnight duty at Naas Garda Station last Wednesday.
“They were alerted by our Command and Control centre to a call for help from a couple travelling from Carlow to Dublin along the M7.
“The heavily pregnant woman was in labour and her contractions were now a minute apart.
“Once the couple were located, Garda Oxley and Garda Smyth kicked into action to keep mother and baby safe, and provided urgent medical assistance.
“With our colleagues from the Ambulance Service on the scene, Mam gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby boy.
“We are so thrilled to know that this little family are all doing well, and baby is taking it all in after an exciting trip into the world!”
